Keep in mind, as the report reminds us, underclassmen are no longer considered long-shots and defensive players have been finalist in three of the past four years.

Quarterbacks Braxton Miller of Ohio State and Tajh Boyd of Clemson lead the list.

With that said, five of the top 10 candidates reside in the SEC.

"Looking for another true sophomore to win the award? Look no further than the extremely gifted Yeldon," Athlon writes. "As just a freshman, he rushed for 1,000 yards and 10 scores as a backup last season en route to a national championship. Nick Saban's offense is a proven Heisman commodity for running backs and Eddie Lacy has moved on to the NFL. If Yeldon gets 200+ touches, he easily has the skill to make it to New York."

The report also points out the big reason Yeldon is in the mix is because of the guy at No. 16.

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron drops back to pass during the Crimson Tide's second spring football practice on March 18 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Vasha Hunt/ vhunt@al.com)

"A big part of why Yeldon will be successful will be the return of McCarron," according to Athlon's. "The O-line will have to be rebuilt (to some extent), but the talent at the skill positions could be better than Saban has ever had at the Capstone. If McCarron goes for 30 TDs and just three interceptions again, he will most definitely be in the Heisman race. The biggest issue is his offensive system may never allow for big numbers from the quarterback as names like Ingram, Richardson, Lacy and Yeldon get most of the attention."